The Maryland Terrapins kicked off the 2026 college football season with a statement win on Saturday night at SECU Stadium in College Park. The Terrapins blanked the Hampton University Pirates 62‑0, delivering the program’s first shutout victory since 2019 and its highest point total since the 2021 season.
Ground Game Leads the Way
Maryland’s offensive strategy centered on a powerful rushing attack, a focus emphasized by first‑year offensive coordinator Clint Trinkett. The Terrapins amassed 365 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore running back DeJaun Williams set the tone early with a 94‑yard dash that ranks as the second‑longest run in school history. He finished with a career‑high 116 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Balance and Milestones
Quarterback Malik Washington complemented the ground game with 186 passing yards and a touchdown in his sophomore debut. Washington also surpassed the 3,000‑career‑passing‑yard mark in the season opener. Maryland recorded a total of 646 yards of offense, the most since 2024.
Stifling Defense
The Terrapins’ defense held Hampton to just 85 total yards, including a mere 10 rushing yards. Maryland forced five sacks and intercepted three passes, marking the first time the program has limited an opponent to under 100 yards since 2019.
Coach Locksley’s Perspective
Head coach Mike Locksley praised the team’s preparation and resilience. “We put a lot of emphasis on our ability to run the ball better,” Locksley said, noting Williams’ recovery from an early‑career ACL injury. “We’re still a young team, but we’re no longer inexperienced. Our work has to be louder than our words, and the team has delivered.”
Looking Ahead
Maryland will travel to Connecticut next week for its first road game, facing the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the CBS Network.
The victory extends Maryland’s streak of 19 consecutive wins against non‑conference opponents and marks the 16th straight season‑opening triumph over a non‑conference team. Fans left SECU Stadium energized by the dominant performance and the promise of a competitive season ahead.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
